Pirates Extend Manager Clint Hurdle’s Contract

The Pittsburgh Pirates confirmed on Tuesday that they have extended the contract of manager Clint Hurdle by exercising the 2014 option on his present deal and agreeing to an option for the 2015 season.

Hurdle was entering the final year of a three-year contract, and his team is attempting to improve on last season’s 79-83 record. If he remains with the Pirates through 2015, he would become the first Pittsburgh manager to last for five seasons since Jim Leyland managed the team from 1986 until 1996.

Hurdle is currently preparing his squad for their first preseason game, scheduled for Saturday. The Pirates’ regular season begins on April 1.